Wealth & the Corruption of Character: A Tafsir of Sūrat al-Humazah [Surah 104]

Wealth & The Corruption Of Character A Tafsīr Of Sūrat ’l Humazah- Delivered by Shaykh Riyadh ul Haq on 22nd March 2013 at Al Kawthar Academy (Leicester)

The content of this sūrah describes the delusional and delirious effects of wealth. Islām has encouraged the acquisition of wealth when it is done with responsibility, charity, compassion and with the correct methodology, understanding and intention. When wealth possesses us rather than us possessing wealth, that is when it corrodes and influences our character and thinking process. This sūrah teaches us that to gather wealth incessantly, to count, enumerate and become obsessed with it results in committing the most hideous of crimes. This can lead to backbiting, slandering, defaming, rumour mongering, attacking another’s honour, character assassination and even physical abuse. The entire character of a person is then corrupted.

The most significant lesson we learn is that success does not
lie in wealth rather it is in the remembrance of Allāh. Wealth acquired and used without the consciousness of Allāh becomes a burden rather than a blessing.

A detail discussion is made of the evil and damaging effects of backbiting, slandering and defaming. The consequences of indulging in such sins are also eloquently outlined.

Below are some of the timecodes and topics relating to this talk:

8:26 – What does ‘humazah’ mean?
11:38 – What are the 5 characteristics of the person described in Sūratʾl Humazah?
17:11 – Which is the best of foods?
26:14 – Do people possess wealth?
38:44 – Does all power and honour lie in wealth?
43:02 – How can the love of wealth make a person violent?
50:10 – What are the similarities between the pauper and the millionaire?
1:00:58 – The rewards for reciting Surat al-Kahf on Friday.
1:12:15 – What would happen if Allāh gave us more wealth?
1:17:52 – What is backbiting?
1:27:44 – What are the three things that the Prophet ﷺ swore and the four types of people in the dunyā?

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